What is the difference between a Class B and Class N autoclave for veterinary use?

A Class B autoclave uses a fractionated pre-vacuum cycle to remove air from all parts of the load, including hollow lumens, wrapped sets and porous materials — producing reliable sterilisation across all instrument types. A Class N autoclave uses a simple gravity displacement cycle, suitable only for unwrapped solid instruments. Veterinary surgical practices should use Class B to handle wrapped sets, hollow instruments and textiles safely.

Which instruments cannot be steam autoclaved?

Flexible endoscopes, fibre-optic cables, electronic components, heat-sensitive plastics, and acrylic items will be damaged at autoclave temperatures. These items require low-temperature sterilisation (ethylene oxide gas) or high-level disinfection, depending on their critical classification and the manufacturer's IFU.

How long does a typical Class B autoclave cycle take?

A standard porous load cycle at 134°C takes 3.5 minutes of sterilisation time, with pre-vacuum, heat-up and drying phases adding 20–30 minutes of total cycle time. Some units complete a full cycle in 25 minutes; others take up to 45 minutes depending on load size and drying programme.

Sterilization – LumaVet

Effective surgical instrument sterilisation is a legal and clinical requirement for every veterinary practice performing invasive procedures. LumaVet supplies Class B steam autoclaves, ethylene oxide (EO) low-temperature sterilisers, and sterilisation accessories to clinics across Thailand and Southeast Asia.
Class B autoclaves use fractionated pre-vacuum cycles to remove air from all load types — wrapped instrument sets, hollow instruments, porous textiles, and rigid containers — delivering validated sterilisation where Class N gravity-displacement units fall short. Low-temperature EO sterilisation is the standard method for flexible endoscopes, fibre-optic cables, and heat-sensitive devices.

Class B steam autoclaves — 18 L to 50 L chamber capacity, validated pre-vacuum cycles
EO low-temperature sterilisers — for endoscopes, electronics, and heat-sensitive items
Sterilisation pouches and wrapping paper — compatible with Class B and EO cycles
Biological and chemical indicators — cycle verification and batch traceability
Instrument washing and ultrasonic cleaners — enzymatic pre-treatment equipment

Our team assists with sterilisation programme documentation, cycle validation, and regulatory compliance for government-licensed veterinary facilities.